Patient interface system, method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder, patient interface, and patient interface holder

ABSTRACT

A patient interface system for positioning a patient&#39;s eye opposite a laser device for laser surgery is disclosed, including a patient interface for coupling to the patient&#39;s eye and a patient interface holder for arranging the patient interface on the laser device. The patient interface holder includes a holder device with an engaging device for reversibly coupling the patient interface to the patient interface holder, and to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder with a second positioning device. The engaging device has a spring-loaded engaging body that cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface. A method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder of a patient interface system, as well as a patient interface and a patient interface holder for a patient interface system are also disclosed.

FIELD

The invention relates to a patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for coupling a patient interface to a patient interface holder of such a patient interface system as well as to a patient interface and a patient interface holder for such a patient interface system.

BACKGROUND

Such a patient interface system can for example be employed in the laser-surgical treatment of a human or animal eye. Therein, the patient interface system serves for positioning and coupling the patient's eye to a laser device, which generates the laser radiation for the treatment of the patient's eye. Corresponding laser devices for example comprise a basic apparatus with a laser source for generating pulsed laser radiation, for example nano-, femto- or pico-second laser pulses, as well as an application head, which is coupled to the patient's eye via the patient interface system for treatment. The patient interface system is usually arranged between the patient's eye and a focusing system of the laser device. A fixed coupling is required to keep the distance between the laser source and its focusing system, respectively, and the patient's eye constant in order that the laser-surgical treatment can be performed with the required high precision and the laser beam can be precisely directed to the tissue of the patient's eye to be treated, for example to the cornea.

A generic patient interface system includes a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for arrangement of the patient interface on the laser device. Therein, the patient interface includes a first positioning device for abutting the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder. The patient interface holder in turn includes a holding device, by means of which the patient interface can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device in the coupled state. In the coupled or mounted state, thus, the patient interface is coupled to the patient's eye at the one end and to the patient interface holder at the other end, while the patient interface holder in turn is coupled to the laser device such that a correct orientation between the patient's eye and the laser source is ensured.

From EP 2 853 247 B1, a patient interface system is known, in which a rigid coupling between the patient interface and the patient interface holder is generated in the coupled state, that is that all of the degrees of freedom of the movement between both components are cancelled or blocked. Hereby, the patient interface holder and the patient interface coupled to it behave like an integral body.

The circumstance is to be regarded as disadvantageous in the known patient interface system that the rigid connection has turned out to be not only problematic with respect to a simple capability of coupling of patient interface holder and patient interface, but also aggravates a reliable positioning since compensation for manufacturing tolerances and the like is no longer possible by the necessity of a rigid coupling.

SUMMARY

It is the object of the present invention to provide a patient interface system, the patient interface of which can be more simply connected to the patient interface holder, wherein a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device is nevertheless allowed. A further object of the invention is in providing a method for more simply coupling a patient interface to a patient interface holder of such a patient interface system, in which a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device is nevertheless allowed. Finally, further objects of the invention are in providing a corresponding patient interface and a corresponding patient interface holder for such a patient interface system.

According to the invention, the objects are solved by a patient interface system with the features of claim 1, by a method according to claim 13 for coupling a patient interface to a patient interface holder of a patient interface system as well as by a patient interface according to claim 14 and by a patient interface holder according to claim 15. Advantageous configurations with convenient developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims, wherein advantageous configurations of each inventive aspect are to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the respectively other inventive aspects.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, including a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for arrangement of the patient interface on the laser device, wherein the patient interface comprises a first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder, and wherein the patient interface holder includes a holding device, by means of which the patient interface can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder, and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device in the coupled state. According to the invention, a simpler capability of coupling patient interface and patient interface holder is ensured in that the holding device includes at least one engaging device, wherein the engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface. In other words, according to the invention, it is provided that the patient interface can be coupled to the patient interface holder by the cooperation of its engaging surface with at least one spring-loaded engaging device of the patient interface holder and therein can be positioned relative to it by means of the second positioning device. Hereby, a simple and reliable coupling is possible since a force and/or form fit with the associated engaging surface is established via the at least one spring-loaded engaging body in the coupled state, which is not mechanically rigid, but allows a certain relative movement between patient interface and patient interface holder with overcoming a spring force definable as needed. In addition, a reliable positioning of the patient's eye relative to the laser device is allowed on the one hand, in that not all of the degrees of freedom are blocked, certain manufacturing tolerances can still be compensated for on the other hand. Within the scope of this disclosure, “a/an” are generally to be read as indefinite articles, thus always also as “at least a/at least one” without expressly opposite indication. In reverse, “a/an” can also be understood as “only a/only one”.

In an advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the at least one engaging body has a convex geometry, in particular a semi-spherical or spherical geometry, at least in a surface area to be turned to the engaging surface. Hereby, the engaging body can particularly simply slide along a surface area of the patient interface moved relative to the patient interface holder upon coupling until it comes in operative connection with the associated engaging surface of the patient interface. The decoupling is correspondingly simple. Moreover, a convex geometry of the engaging body allows a particularly reliable coupling via a connection to the associated engaging surface form-fit at least in two spatial directions. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the at least one engaging body is spring loaded towards the laser device in the mounted state of the patient interface holder on the laser device. In other words, the patient interface can be translationally moved along the z- or vertical axis relative to the patient interface holder related to the mounted state of the entire patient interface system on the laser device, such that at least one translational degree of freedom is enabled in defined manner, while 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 further degree(s) of freedom is or are blocked.

Further advantages arise in that the at least one engaging device comprises a further engaging body, wherein one of the engaging bodies abuts on an engaging surface of the second positioning device on the top side with respect to the laser device and another one of the engaging bodies abuts on an engaging surface of the second positioning device on the bottom side with respect to the laser device in the coupled state. In other words, it is provided that the second positioning device comprises two engaging surfaces, which are arranged on surfaces areas of the second positioning device opposing each other and cooperate with correspondingly arranged engaging bodies in the coupled state of patient interface holder and patient interface. Hereby, the patient interface is fixed on the patient interface holder in force- and/or form-fit manner from two opposing sides, whereby a particularly exactly defined relative positioning as well as a mechanically particularly stable coupling of these two assemblies of the patient interface system arises. The further engaging body can basically also have a convex surface area or be semi-spherically or spherically formed. However, the geometry of the further engaging body either is generally not restricted and can be selected as needed.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the further engaging body is mechanically rigidly arranged on the patient interface holder. By the combination of an engaging body mechanically rigidly arranged or fixed with respect to the patient interface holder and an engaging body spring-loaded and thereby movable relative to a surface of the patient interface holder, the patient interface can be simply mounted and dismounted and particularly precisely positioned relative to the patient interface holder. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the engaging bodies are arranged opposing each other. Hereby, a mechanically particularly stable coupling arises since the patient interface is hereby “clamped” between the engaging bodies and can only be moved and decoupled, respectively, by overcoming a defined spring force.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the holding device includes at least one guiding device, along which the second positioning device of the patient interface is forcibly guided movable for coupling. This allows a particularly simple and process-reliable coupling of the patient interface to the patient interface holder, since possible inadmissible relative movements in coupling and decoupling, respectively, are made impossible by the guiding device.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the guiding device includes at least one groove, into which an associated collar of the second positioning device of the patient interface can be shifted for coupling. This represents a particularly comfortable and process-reliable possibility of coupling and decoupling since the patient interface can be plugged into the patient interface holder preferably in linear or “drawer”-like manner for coupling and can be withdrawn from it in reverse direction for decoupling, respectively.

A particularly reliable relative capability of positioning patient interface and patient interface holder to each other is allowed in further configuration of the invention in that the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises at least one hemi-spherically shell-shaped and/or conical and/or frustoconical and/or slit-shaped and/or plane engaging surface and/or at least two engaging surfaces with respectively different geometry. By the different geometric configuration of one, two, three or more engaging surfaces as well as optionally by the combination of two, three or more geometrically different engaging surfaces, one degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom of the overall six translational and rotational degrees of freedom per engaging surface can be specifically blocked and enabled, respectively.

Further advantages arise in that the second positioning device of the patient interface includes at least one ramp, wherein the ramp is arranged in front of an associated engaging surface related to the coupling path and ascends along the coupling path. Hereby, a user can particularly comfortably and safely couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder since the ramp forms a guiding structure and results in an insertion force continuously increasing along the coupling path until the final position is reached, in which the coupling is generated via the cooperation of the at least one spring-loaded engaging body and the corresponding engaging surface. This characteristic force progress provides a unique tactile feedback to the user about the coupling operation such that the coupling can be “blindly” effected. In reverse, upon decoupling, the force required for withdrawal continuously decreases along the ramp after over-coming a releasing force, which results in a correspondingly comfortable handling in removing the patient interface.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises at least three engaging surfaces, which are arranged in the shape of a triangle and between which a path extending through the patient interface for the radiation of the laser device is provided. This increases the stability and precision of the coupling.

Coupling and decoupling particularly comfortable and secure for a user are allowed in further configuration of the invention in that the patient interface includes a holder, by means of which the patient interface can be held by a user, preferably with only two fingers, to couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder or to decouple it from the patient interface holder.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that all of the engaging devices of the holding device exert an overall spring force of at least 4 N, that is for example of 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, 10 N, 11 N, 12 N, 13 N, 14 N, 15 N, 16 N, 17 N, 18 N, 19 N, 20 N or more and/or of at most 20 N, that is for example of 20 N, 19 N, 18 N, 17 N, 16 N, 15 N, 14 N, 13 N, 12 N, 11 N, 10 N, 9 N, 8 N, 7 N, 6 N, 5 N, 4 N, 3 N, 2 N, 1 N or less on the patient interface in the coupled state. Hereby, an optimum coupling and decoupling force, respectively, can be adjusted for the respective patient interface system. In further configuration, it can basically be provided that the force required for coupling and the force required for decoupling differ. For example, the coupling force can be lower than the decoupling force to avoid inadvertent decoupling. In reverse, the coupling force can also be higher than the decoupling force.

In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, it is provided that the patient interface is multi-part formed. This facilitates the production of geometric complex regions of the patient interface. In addition, different assembly types can be combined with each other as needed, for example to adapt the patient interface to different patient interface holders and/or patient's eyes. The individual assemblies can then be mounted or connected to each other to the patient interface in suitable manner, for example by adhering, screwing, clip connections and the like. Basically, it can be provided that the patient interface holder is multi-part formed and is composed of multiple assemblies. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the patient interface includes a coupling device for a suction device and/or a channel, which forms an optical path directed to the first positioning device for a camera system and/or for an illumination device. This allows producing also a fluidic coupling for connecting a suction device and/or an optical coupling for a camera system and/or an illumination device preferably at the same time with the mechanical coupling of patient interface and patient interface holder. This allows a particularly comfortable and safe handling of the patient interface system for a user, for example a physician, during a laser-surgical treatment, and considerably reduces the likelihood of incorrect operations.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for coupling a patient interface of a patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect to a patient interface holder of a patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, in which the patient interface is moved relative to the patient interface holder until the at least one spring-loaded engaging body of the at least one engaging device of the holding device of the patient interface holder cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface. This allows simple coupling of the patient interface to the patient interface holder of the patient interface system, wherein a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device is also allowed. Decoupling the patient interface can be effected in reverse direction after overcoming the spring force of the at least one engaging body. Further features and the advantages thereof can be taken from the descriptions of the first inventive aspect, wherein advantageous configurations of the first inventive aspect are to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the second inventive aspect and vice versa.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface for a patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, wherein the patient interface comprises the first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on a patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder of the patient interface system, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises the at least one engaging surface, which cooperates with the at least one spring-loaded engaging body of the at least one engaging device of the holding device of the patient interface holder in the coupled state of the patient interface with the patient interface holder. This allows simple coupling of the patient interface according to the invention to the patient interface holder of the patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, wherein a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device is also allowed. Further features and the advantages thereof can be taken from the descriptions of the first and the second inventive aspect, wherein advantageous configurations of the first and the second inventive aspect are to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the third inventive aspect and vice versa.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a patient interface holder for a patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, wherein the patient interface holder includes the holding device, by means of which the patient interface of the patient interface system can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder, and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state, wherein the holding device includes the at least one engaging device, wherein the engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface. This allows simple coupling of the patient interface holder according to the invention to the patient interface of the patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, wherein a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to a laser device is also allowed. Further features and the advantages thereof can be taken from the descriptions of the first, the second and the third inventive aspect, wherein advantageous configurations of the first, the second and the third inventive aspect are to be regarded as advantageous configurations of the fourth inventive aspect and vice versa.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing and/or performing a laser-surgical treatment procedure on a patient's eye, in which a patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect is provided, the patient interface is abutted on a patient's eye by means of the first positioning device, the patient interface holder is fixed to the laser device and the patient interface is reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder by means of the holding device of the patient interface holder and positioned relative to the patient interface holder by means of the second positioning device, wherein the engaging device of the holding device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface. This allows simple coupling of the patient interface holder to the patient interface of the patient interface system according to the first inventive aspect, wherein a reliable positioning of a patient's eye relative to the laser device is also allowed such that the preparation and/or performance of the laser-surgical procedure is correspondingly facilitated.

Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, implementations are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention, which are not explicitly shown in the figures and explained, but arise from and can be generated by separated feature combinations from the explained implementations. Implementations and feature combinations are also to be considered as disclosed, which thus do not comprise all of the features of an originally formulated independent claim. Moreover, implementations and feature combinations are to be considered as disclosed, in particular by the implementations set out above, which extend beyond or deviate from the feature combinations set out in the relations of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a patient interface system according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the patient interface system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the patient interface system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded representation of an embodiment of an inventive patient interface of the patient interface system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the patient interface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the patient interface.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the detail area VII shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a suction cup part of the patient interface from above.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the detail IX shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the patient interface.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive patient interface holder of the patient interface system.

FIG. 12 is schematic lateral sections of engaging bodies of the patient interface holder and perspective top views to their corresponding engaging surfaces of the patient interface.

FIG. 13 is a partial lateral sectional view of the patient interface in the region of engaging surfaces opposing each other, which cooperate with corresponding engaging bodies of the patient interface holder.

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded representation of the patient interface holder.

FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded representation of a first assembly of the patient interface holder.

FIG. 16 is a schematic exploded representation of a second assembly of the patient interface holder.

FIG. 17 is a schematic and partial sectional view from above to a suction duct of the patient interface holder and a part of a fluid-conducting device of the patient interface.

FIG. 18 is a schematic and partially transparent perspective view of the region of the patient interface system shown in FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a male connector, which engages with a corresponding female fitting of the patient interface.

FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the patient interface.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a collecting container.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the collecting container, which is provided with a filter element.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the patient interface in the region of a mounting opening for the collecting container.

FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of the patient interface, wherein the collecting container is arranged in the mounting opening.

FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view of the collecting container in the region of a fitting, in which an end region of a negative pressure hose is arranged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a patient interface system 10 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The patient interface system 10 serves for positioning a patient's eye (not shown) relative to a laser device (not shown) for the laser surgery and includes a patient interface 12 for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder 14 for arranging the patient interface 12 on the laser device. In the following, FIG. 1 will be explained in synopsis with FIG. 2 , which shows a schematic bottom view of the patient interface system 10. Presently, the patient interface 12 is integrally formed of multiple assemblies adhered to each other, while the patient interface holder 14 is presently composed of three assemblies exemplary in number and orientation, which are screwed to each other and are explained in more detail in the following. The patient interface holder 14 includes a holding device 16, by means of which the patient interface 12, which can basically be a one-way or disposable part, can be reversibly coupled to the patient interface holder 14 and which is formed to position the patient interface 12 relative to the patient interface holder 14 in the coupled state. Hereto, the holding device 16 includes two opposing, groove-shaped guiding devices 18, along which a second positioning device 20 (see FIG. 4 ) of the patient interface 12 is forcibly guided movable for coupling and decoupling. Thereby, the patient interface 12 can be plugged into the holding device 16 of the patient interface holder 14 in drawer-like manner for coupling and again be withdrawn for decoupling.

One further recognizes that the patient interface holder 14 includes a connection device 22 for coupling a camera system 24 as well as an illumination device 26, by means of which at least a region of the patient's eye is illuminated perpendicular to a surface of a contact plate 28 of a first positioning device 30 of the patient interface 12. Hereto, the illumination device 26 presently includes four lighting means (e.g. LEDs) 32—exemplary in number and arrangement—the respective light cones of which are illustrated with circles in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Since the patient interface 12 is composed of an optically transparent material in complete manner or at least in the region of the first positioning device 30, which is brought in abutment on the patient's eye for a laser-surgical treatment, the radiation of the lighting means 32 penetrates the wall of the patient interface 12 substantially funnel-shaped in this region and thereby indirectly irradiates both the surgical region below the contact plate 28, which can also referred to as contact glass, and directly the environment thereof.

Furthermore, the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 are connectable to a suction device (not shown), for example a vacuum pump, in a manner described in more detail in the following, to generate a relative negative pressure and to hold the patient interface 12 and its first positioning device 30, respectively, in abutment on the patient's eye. One in particular recognizes in FIG. 1 that all of the connection cables 34 for the camera system 24 and the illumination device 26 as well as a negative pressure hose 36 for connection of the suction device emerge from the patient interface holder 14 in the same direction and are arranged on a side of the patient interface holder 14 opposing the insertion side of the patient interface 12. Hereby, the patient interface 12 can be particularly simply and operationally reliably coupled to and decoupled from the patient interface holder 14, respectively, wherein an engagement, positioning and connection to the camera system 24, the suction device and the illumination device 26 are effected at the same time with the coupling, without additional manual movements or working steps by a user being required hereto.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the patient interface system 10. One in particular recognizes the camera system 24 coupled to the patient interface holder 14 by means of the connection device 22 and that the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 comprise channels 38 corresponding to each other, which commonly bound an optical path P between the connection device 22 and the first positioning device 30 in the coupled state of patient interface holder 14 and patient interface 12. Within the scope of the present disclosure, identical or functionally identical elements are usually denoted by identical reference characters if a varying denotation is not provided. The channel 38 of the patient interface holder 14 is closed by a window 40 transparent for wavelengths in the range visible to the human in an end region facing away from the connection device 22, such that foreign matter cannot enter and disturb the optical systems. The channels 38 and thereby the optical path P extend at an angle of about 45° to a direction of an intended laser radiation L of the laser device and to a surface of the contact plate 28 facing the laser device, respectively, in the coupled state of the patient interface 12 and the patient interface holder 14.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic exploded representation of an embodiment of the patient interface 12 according to the invention. One sees that the patient interface 12 is composed of multiple assemblies, which are connected to each other by plug, shrinking and adhesive connections. From top to bottom, the assemblies include an interface body 42, which includes the second positioning device 20 as well as a holder 44, by means of which the patient interface 12 can be held by a user with thumb (from above) and index finger (from below), to couple the patient interface 12 to the patient interface holder 14 and to decouple it from the patient interface holder 14. The holder 44 has a concavely curved shape, which allows comfortable and safe gripping. One additionally recognizes a female fitting 45, with which a corresponding male connector 47 of the patient interface holder 14 engages in the coupled state with the patient interface holder 14 to also achieve a fluidic coupling besides the mechanical coupling. Furthermore, the patient interface 12 includes a filter element 46, which is arranged in a mounting opening 48 of an integrally formed collecting container 50. Since the mounting opening 48 is configured asymmetrical in the present example, the filter element 46 can only be inserted into the mounting opening 48 in the correct orientation, whereby a mounting without confusion is ensured. For example, this is reasonable if the filter element 46 requires a unidirectional flow direction. The collecting container 50 presently has a volume of about 120 mm³, whereby it is large enough to securely avoid overflow or clogging during a laser-surgical intervention. The volume of about 120 mm³ theoretically allows the performance of about five laser-surgical interventions, whereby a sufficient safety buffer is ensured. The collecting container 50 is in turn inserted into a corresponding mounting opening 52 of the interface body 42 together with the filter element 46 for mounting.

The collecting container 50 includes a fitting 54, in which a first end region of a negative pressure hose 56 is arranged. The opposing end region of the negative pressure hose 56 is inserted into a further fitting 54 for mounting, wherein the further fitting 54 is formed on a suction cup part 58 of the patient interface 12 and opens into a suction opening 64. The suction cup part 58 additionally includes the channel 38 for the camera system 24 and the first positioning device 30, which is fitted onto the patient's eye. Within the suction cup part 58, the contact plate 28 is fixed, for example adhered, in the region of the first positioning device 30.

The female fitting 45, the filter element 46, the collecting container 50 and the negative pressure hose 56 together form a fluid-conducting device 60, which together form a fluid path in the coupled state of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14, which fluidically couples a suction duct 62 of the patient interface holder 14 to a suction opening 64 of the patient interface in the region of the first positioning device 30 to be able to bring the first positioning device 30 in abutment on the patient's eye and to hold it on the patient's eye, respectively, by a relative negative pressure generated by means of the suction device.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of the patient interface 12 in the mounted state. One in particular recognizes the fluid-conducting device 60, which fluidically connects the first positioning device 30 to the female fitting 45 in the interface body 42 via the negative pressure hose 56, the collecting container 50 and the filter element 46.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the patient interface 12 according to the sectional plane VI-VI shown in FIG. 5 . In the following, FIG. 6 is explained in synopsis with FIG. 7 , which shows an enlarged view of the detail area VII shown in FIG. 6 . One recognizes the contact body 28 fluid-tightly adhered to the suction cup part 58, which has a concave bottom side, which bounds a cavity 66, into which the fluid-conducting device 60 opens. The first positioning device 30 further includes a plurality of teeth 68, which are annularly arranged spaced from each other in the end region of the patient interface 12 facing the patient's eye. The teeth 68 ensure an applanation of the patient's eye together with the contact body 28, wherein they minimize the applanation forces and suction load at the same time.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction cup part 58 of the patient interface 12 from above, wherein the contact plate 28 is not yet mounted such that the annularly arranged teeth 68 of the first positioning device 30 as well as mounting ribs 70 for the contact plate 28 are recognizable. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the detail IX shown in FIG. 8 , wherein the contact plate 28 is now inserted into the suction cup part 58 in the region above the teeth 68 and adhered to it.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of the patient interface 12. One in particular recognizes the second positioning device 20, which comprises three engaging surfaces 72 a, 72 b, 72 c in the present embodiment, which are arranged in the shape of a triangle and between which a path extending through the patient interface 12 for the laser beam L of the laser device is provided. Furthermore, the second positioning device 20 of the patient interface 12 includes two ramps 74 a, 74 b exemplary in number and arrangement, wherein the ramps 74 a, 74 b are arranged in front of their associated engaging surfaces 72 a, 72 b related to a coupling path K and ascend along the coupling path K. In the present embodiment, the engaging surface 72 a has a frustoconical geometry, while the engaging surface 72 b is slit-shaped and the engaging surface 72 c is flat. In the coupled state of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14, the engaging surfaces 72 a-c cooperate with corresponding spring-loaded engaging bodies 76 a-c of the patient interface holder 14, whereby the following restrictions of the three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom result in the following embodiment:

Engaging surface 72 a: 2 translational degrees of freedom blocked.

Engaging surface 72 b: 2 rotational degrees of freedom blocked.

Engaging surface 72 c: 1 rotational degree of freedom blocked.

This means that the patient interface 12 is not rigidly coupled to the patient interface holder 14 in the coupled state, but slightly movable only in z-direction, that is perpendicular to the applanated patient's eye and translational along the direction of the laser beam L, respectively, to be able to compensate for tolerances and to allow a simpler coupling and decoupling without having to accept losses with respect to the correct positioning. Furthermore, collars 78 of the second positioning device 20 are apparent, which are shifted into the groove shaped guiding devices 18 in coupling and forcibly guided moved along the substantially linear coupling path K in the manner of a drawer. Due to the ramps 74 a, 74 b, a continuously increasing insertion force is required for coupling until the engaging bodes 76 a, 76 b engage with the engaging surfaces 72 a, 72 b. This generates a unique haptic feedback for a user about the progress of the coupling operation as well as about the effected coupling due to the engagement of the engaging bodes 76 a, 76 b.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment already shown in FIG. 1 of the inventive patient interface holder 14 of the patient interface system 10 without coupled patient interface 12. One in particular recognizes that the patient interface holder 14 presently includes three assemblies 80 a-c connected to each other. Therein, the assembly 80 a functions as an upper holding group, the assembly 80 b functions as a lower holding group and the assembly 80 c functions as an illumination holder. The assemblies 80 a, 80 b together form the groove-shaped guiding device 18. Moreover, the assembly 80 a includes the connection device 22, into which the camera system 24 is inserted.

FIG. 12 shows schematic lateral sections of engaging bodies 76 a-c of the patient interface holder 14, which cooperate with their corresponding engaging surfaces 72 a-c of the patient interface 12 in the coupled state of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14. The engaging bodes 76 a-c are presently ceramic balls of identical diameter, which are rigidly fixed to the patient interface holder 14. These ceramic balls are mechanically very resistant on the one hand and can easily slide along the surface and the ramps 74 a, 74 b of the second positioning device 20 during the coupling operation on the other hand. It is understood that varying materials such as for example steel or plastic can basically also be used. The individual engaging bodies 76 a-c can basically also be composed of different materials and/or have varying geometries. Below the individual pairings, perspective partial top views of the engaging surfaces 72 a-c of the patient interface 12 without the engaging bodies 76 a-c are respectively shown.

FIG. 13 shows a partial lateral sectional view of the patient interface 12 in the region of engaging surfaces 72 b, 72 b′ opposing each other, which cooperate with corresponding engaging bodes 76 b, 76 b′ of the patient interface holder. In contrast to the engaging body 76 b, the engaging body 76 b′ is spring-loaded and ensures a reliable coupling of patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14 since the patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14 are only movable relative to each other with overcoming an overall spring force of all of the spring-loaded engaging bodies 76 a′-c′ in the coupled state. With overcoming the overall spring force, however, at least a translational movement in z-direction, that is against the spring forces F, is possible such that the patient interface 12 and patient interface holder 14 are not rigidly, but resiliently connected and do not behave like an integral body, respectively, also in the coupled state. The engaging bodies 76 b, 76 b′ as well as the engaging bodies 76 a, 76 a′, 76 c, 76 c′ not explicitly illustrated form an engaging device 82 together with their corresponding engaging surfaces 72 a-c, 72 a′-c′. The engaging bodies 76 a′-c′ too are presently formed as ceramic balls and arranged in a housing 86 together with respective springs 84. It is understood that the engaging bodies 76 a′-c′ can also be formed of varying materials and/or have varying geometries. Similarly, it can be provided that all of the springs 84 have identical or different spring forces F.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic exploded representation of the patient interface holder 14. One recognizes that the camera system 24 is pluggable into the connection device 22 and capable of being screwed to the first assembly 80 a in the shown embodiment. The assembly 80 b supports the spring-loaded engaging bodies 76 a′-c′ supported in their housings 86. Furthermore, one recognizes the suction duct 62 and the male connector 47 arranged therein, which is connected to the negative pressure hose 36. The illumination device 26 presently including four LEDs, which is integrated in the third assembly 80 c and is electrically supplied via its connection cables 34, is also well recognizable.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic exploded representation of the first assembly 80 a of the patient interface holder 14 from obliquely below. Here, the engaging bodies 76 a-c not spring-loaded, but rigidly supported in the first assembly 80 a are in particular apparent, which are inserted into corresponding mounting openings in the assembly 80 a. Furthermore, four screws 88 are illustrated as fixing means, by means of which the assemblies 80 a-c are screwed to each other. It is understood that other fixing means, a varying number of fixing means as well as a varying orientation of the fixing means can also be provided.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic exploded representation of the second assembly 80 b of the patient interface holder 14. Therein, only the housings 86 of the spring-loaded engaging bodies 76 a′-c′ are shown of the engaging device 82, which are inserted into corresponding mounting openings of the second assembly 80 b. Furthermore, it is apparent that the negative pressure hose 36 is connected to the male connector 47 and inserted into the suction duct 62. The connector 47 is in turn applied with force by a further spring-loaded engaging body 76 d′, wherein also only the housing 86 of it is shown. The housing 86 of this engaging body 76 d′ is fixed to the second assembly 80 b by means of a bracket 90.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic and partial sectional view from above to the suction duct 62 of the patient interface holder 14 as well as a part of the fluid-conducting device 60 of the patient interface 12 coupled to the patient interface holder 14. Due to the engagement of the male connector 47 with the female fitting 45, the patient interface holder 14 and the patient interface 12 are fluidically coupled such that the patient interface 12 can be held in abutment on the patient's eye by means of a relative negative pressure, which is generated by a suction device connected to the negative pressure hose 36. Therein, the female fitting 45 comprises an inner cone, in which a corresponding outer cone of the male connector 47 is arranged in the coupled state. The outer cone and the inner cone presently have a contact angle of about 12° according to amount, wherein a gas-tight connection is ensured on the one hand and a fast and uncomplicated coupling and decoupling with a force of at most about 2 N by an axial movement along the coupling path K are ensured on the other hand. Although the male connector 47 and the female fitting 45 can also be interchanged, the shown arrangement of the female fitting 45 at the patient interface 12 has the advantage that the risk of contaminations between unpacking and coupling the patient interface 12 is reduced since the contact surface of the female fitting 45 is less severely exposed to the environment than with a male connector 47. By reducing the risk of contamination, later connecting problems are also avoided besides possible hygienic problems. While the male connector 47 is in direct contact with the wall of the female fitting 45, a certain backlash is allowed in the region denoted by the arrow XVII.

As one sees in FIG. 18 , which shows a schematic and partially transparent perspective view of the region of the patient interface system 10 shown in FIG. 17 , the male connector 47 is floating supported and movable in all three spatial directions, wherein the connector 47 is pressed towards the female fitting 45 by the engaging body 76 d′. This allows a particularly reliable and gas-tight connection with compensation for possible manufacturing tolerances. For further clarification, FIG. 19 shows a schematic sectional view of the connector 47, which engages with the female fitting 45 of the patient interface 12.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the patient interface 12. One in particular recognizes the suction opening 64, into which the fitting 54 opens. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the suction cup part 58 comprises a circumferential collar 100, into which the interface body 42 is inserted and adhered to the suction cup part 58. By the configuration of the collar 100, self-centering is effected upon mounting. In that the collar 100 also comprises a vertical section besides a horizontal section, on which the interface body 42 rests, horizontal and vertical tolerances can be compensated for by the geometric configuration of the collar 100. Therein, the collar 100 forms a reservoir for excessive adhesive and ensures that the adhesive is drawn into the gap between interface body 42 and suction cup part 58 by capillary forces. This ensures a high-quality firmly bounded connection of both assemblies of the patient interface 12.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a collecting container 50 and is explained in synopsis with FIG. 22 in the following, which shows a schematic perspective view of the collecting container 50, which is provided with the filter element 46. One sees in FIG. 21 that the mounting opening 48 for the filter element 46 is asymmetrically formed and comprises a circumferential edge 102. When the collecting container 50 with the filter element 46 is inserted into its associated mounting opening 52 of the interface body 42 and heated, this edge 102 collapses, whereby the gap between collecting container 50 and interface body 42 decreases and the filter element 46 is operationally reliably and fluid-tightly clamped between both parts.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic perspective view of the patient interface 12 in the region of its mounting opening 52 for the collecting container 50. The walls of the interface body 42 bounding the mounting opening 52 comprise ribs 108 directed outwards on the one hand and inwards on the other hand, such that the collecting container 50, which comprises complementary ribs 108, can be shifted into the mounting opening 52 without tilt. A support surface 106 of the patient interface 12 comprises a circumferential lip 104 on its inner circumference, which contributes to laterally sealing the filter element 46 together with the edge 102 in the mounted state. Therefore, fluid can only flow from the fitting 54 through the collecting container 50, the filter element 46 and the fitting 54. FIG. 24 shows a schematic perspective view of the patient interface 12, wherein the collecting container 50 is arranged and fixed in the mounting opening 52.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic sectional view of the collecting container 50 in the region of its fitting 54. The fitting 54 comprises a mounting duct 110, in which an end region of the negative pressure hose 56 is arranged. The mounting duct 110 in turn has an inner diameter decreasing in three steps along a mounting direction XXV starting from an introduction opening, the inner diameter of which is larger than an outer diameter of the negative pressure hose 56. In the first section S1, which serves for fixing, the inner diameter of the mounting duct 110 is larger than the outer diameter of the negative pressure hose 56 as mentioned and wetted with an adhesive for mounting. In the second section S2, which serves for positioning, the inner diameter of the mounting duct 110 is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the negative pressure hose 56, whereby centering of the negative pressure hose 56 in the mounting duct 110 is achieved. In the third section S3, which also serves for positioning, the inner diameter of the mounting duct 110 is smaller than the outer diameter of the negative pressure hose 56. Thereby, the negative pressure hose 56 is shifted into the mounting duct 110 until it stops in the third section S3, whereby a correct axial positioning is ensured. It is understood that the fitting 54 of the suction cup part 58 can be analogously formed.

The parameter values indicated in the documents for the definition of process and measurement conditions for the characterization of specific characteristics of the inventive subject matter are to be considered as encompassed by the scope of the invention also within the scope of deviations—for example due to DIN tolerances and the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   -   10 Patient interface system     -   12 patient interface     -   14 patient interface holder     -   16 holding device     -   18 guiding device     -   20 second positioning device     -   22 connection device     -   24 camera system     -   26 illumination device     -   28 contact body     -   30 first positioning device     -   32 lighting means     -   34 connection cable     -   36 negative pressure hose     -   38 channel     -   40 window     -   42 interface body     -   44 holder     -   45 fitting     -   46 filter element     -   47 connector     -   48 mounting opening     -   50 collecting container     -   52 mounting opening     -   54 fitting     -   56 negative pressure hose     -   58suction cup part     -   60 fluid-conducting device     -   62 suction duct     -   64 suction opening     -   66 cavity     -   68 teeth     -   70 mounting ribs     -   72 a engaging surface     -   72 b engaging surface     -   72 c engaging surface     -   72 a′ engaging surface     -   72 b′ engaging surface     -   72 c′ engaging surface     -   74 a ramp     -   74 b ramp     -   76 a engaging body     -   76 b engaging body     -   76 c engaging body     -   76 a′ spring-loaded engaging body     -   76 b′ spring-loaded engaging body     -   76 c′ spring-loaded engaging body     -   76 d′ spring-loaded engaging body     -   78 collar     -   80 a assembly     -   80 b assembly     -   80 c assembly     -   82 engaging device     -   84 springs     -   86 housing     -   88 screws     -   90 bracket     -   100 collar     -   102 edge     -   104 lip     -   106 support surface     -   108 ribs     -   110 mounting duct     -   P optical path     -   K coupling path     -   L laser radiation     -   F spring force 

What is claimed is:
 1. A patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising: a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye; and a patient interface holder for arrangement of the patient interface on the laser device, wherein the patient interface comprises a first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder, the patient interface holder includes a holding device configured to reversibly couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder via the second positioning device in a coupled state, and the holding device includes at least one engaging device, wherein the at least one engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface, wherein the at least one engaging body has a semi-spherical geometry in at least a surface area to be turned to the associated engaging surface of the second positioning device.
 2. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging body is spring-loaded towards the laser device in a mounted state of the patient interface holder on the laser device.
 3. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging device comprises a further engaging body, wherein one of the engaging bodies abuts on an engaging surface of the second positioning device on a top side with respect to the laser device and another one of the engaging bodies abuts on an engaging surface of the second positioning device on a bottom side with respect to the laser device in the coupled state.
 4. The patient interface system according to claim 3, wherein the further engaging body is mechanically rigidly arranged on the patient interface holder and/or that the engaging bodies are arranged opposing each other.
 5. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the holding device includes at least one guiding device, along which the second positioning device of the patient interface is forcibly guided and movable for coupling.
 6. The patient interface system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one guiding device includes at least one groove, into which an associated collar of the second positioning device of the patient interface can be shifted for coupling.
 7. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface is multi-part formed and/or includes a coupling device for a suction device and/or a channel, which forms an optical path directed to the first positioning device for a camera system and/or for an illumination device.
 8. A method for coupling a patient interface to a patient interface holder of a patient interface system according to claim 1 comprising: moving the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder until the at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded, of the at least one engaging device of the holding device of the patient interface holder cooperates with the associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface.
 9. A patient interface for a patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface comprises: the first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on a patient's eye; and the second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder of the patient interface system, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises the at least one engaging surface, which cooperates with the at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded, of the at least one engaging device of the holding device of the patient interface holder in the coupled state of the patient interface with the patient interface holder.
 10. A patient interface holder for a patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface holder comprises: the holding device that is configured to reversibly couple the patient interface of the patient interface system to the patient interface holder and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder via the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state, wherein the holding device includes the at least one engaging device, wherein the engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface.
 11. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface has at least one of a hemi-spherically shell-shaped engaging surface, a conical engaging surface, a frustoconical engaging surface, a slit-shaped engaging surface and a plane engaging surface, and/or at least two engaging surfaces with respectively different geometry.
 12. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging device of the holding device includes two or more engaging devices that exert an overall spring force of at least 4 N and/or of at most 20 N on the patient interface in the coupled state.
 13. A patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising: a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye; and a patient interface holder for arrangement of the patient interface on the laser device, wherein the patient interface comprises a first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder, wherein the patient interface holder includes a holding device configured to reversibly couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder via the second positioning device in a coupled state, wherein the holding device includes at least one engaging device, wherein the at least one engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface, and wherein the associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface has a hemi-spherically shell-shaped geometry.
 14. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface includes at least one ramp, wherein the ramp is arranged in front of an associated engaging surface related to a coupling path and ascends along the coupling path.
 15. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second positioning device of the patient interface comprises at least three engaging surfaces, which are arranged in the shape of a triangle, and between which a path extending through the patient interface for a radiation of the laser device is provided.
 16. The patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the patient interface includes a holder, by which the patient interface can be held by a user, preferably with only two fingers, to couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder or to decouple it from the patient interface holder.
 17. A patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye relative to a laser device for laser surgery, comprising: a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye; and a patient interface holder for arrangement of the patient interface on the laser device, wherein the patient interface comprises a first positioning device for abutment of the patient interface on the patient's eye and a second positioning device for positioning the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder, wherein the patient interface holder includes a holding device configured to reversibly couple the patient interface to the patient interface holder and which is formed to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder via the second positioning device in a coupled state, wherein the holding device includes at least one engaging device, wherein the at least one engaging device comprises at least one engaging body, which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface, and wherein the at least one engaging body of the at least one engaging device of the holding device exerts an overall spring force of at least 4 N on the patient interface in the coupled state. 